Fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer Tiger Brands on July 27 unveiled its upgraded jam, vinegar and chutney production site in Paarl, in the Western Cape.

Having invested R200-million on new manufacturing capabilities at three distinct production plants, the culinary megasite is delivering meaningful improvements in supply security, cost efficiency and product quality.  

“By modernising our manufacturing network and improving how we operate, we are creating a more efficient, resilient and competitive business that is better positioned for long-term growth. Just as importantly, these investments help us to continue delivering the quality, value and affordability that South African consumers rely on every day,” said Tiger Brands CEO Tjaart Kruger.

The 123-year old Paarl production site started with jam manufacturing in 1903 before expanding into the production of the iconic All Gold Tomato Sauce condiment in 1908.

The first major development marks a dedicated vinegar production plant capable of producing three-million litres a year, or 8 000 litres a day. Tiger Brands traditionally outsourced its vinegar production required for products such as All Gold Tomato Sauce, Mrs Balls Chutney and Cross and Blackwell Mayonnaise.

With in-house capacity to produce this key feedstock, Tiger Brands is improving its cost competitiveness and supply chain security.

Next, Tiger Brands expanded its Mrs Balls Chutney production line on site to produce more of the product in-house after 13 years of outsourcing the production, as well as to produce more sizes of the product and in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging. The plant has three production lines installed for the 470 g glass pack and 375 g, 800 g, 1.1 kg, 3 kg and 6.25 kg PET packs.

The company previously had Mrs Balls products produced by a third party; however, production of this iconic South African condiment is back in the Western Cape where it originated.

The third development on site comprised the transition of jam packaging from cans to recyclable PET containers. Tiger Brands is the first in South Africa to make this transition in the jam category from cans to plastic containers, offering more convenience, lighter weight and reusability for consumers. PET lines have been installed to produce 290 g, 480 g and 900 g packs. The line produces the group’s Hugo’s and All Gold jam brands.

The 24 666 m² under-roof Paarl site also produces the group’s Colman’s Worcestershire sauce, Colman’s mustards and Crosse & Blackwell Kasi Magic sauce ranges.

“By bringing Mrs Ball's in-house, by securing our vinegar supply and by improving our packaging, we are focused on driving growth and better meeting consumer needs with convenient packaging solutions.

“This reinforces our commitment to driving economic development, localisation, supply security and affordability of some of the country's most beloved food brands," said Tiger Brands culinary MD Dumo Mfini. 

Notably, as with all its other culinary production sites, Tiger Brands sources agricultural products from local growers, including strawberries from farmers in Paarl and Stellenbosch for its All Gold and Hugo’s Strawberry Jams, onions from Villiersdorp and Grabouw for the Mrs Ball’s Sweet Chilli Sauce and Seville oranges from Ceres for its Koo Seville Jam.

Kruger pointed out that Tiger Brands is involved in the entire value chain for all its brands, including working with farmers and retailers to ensure product quality, consistency and food security. 

Attending the launch of the fully upgraded Paarl megasite, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde lauded Tiger Brands for being the “glue” between farmers and families consuming their products. He appreciated the Mrs Balls brand production returning in-house to Tiger Brands and to the Western Cape, especially in a significant capacity of 140 t a day.

Winde further pointed out that 58% of South Africa’s agriculture exports stem from the Western Cape, which makes investments by manufacturers such as Tiger Brands all the more sustainable.

Winde emphasised the importance of innovation, investment and competitiveness in the agroprocessing industry, which contribute to economic growth and job creation.

BROADER DRIVE

Tiger Brands spends about R1.5-billion a year on capital investment and expansion projects across the country, which are targeted at strengthening the group’s manufacturing base and ensuring more competitive and cost efficient manufacturing.

Mfini mentioned another notable capital investment project as being Tiger Brands’ Boksburg Culinary Hub, in Gauteng, which will house a new vinegar plant and a dedicated research and development-focused pilot plant, with the pilot plant works due to start in February 2027.

The pilot plant will enable marketing and operations teams to test new product ideas and recipes more efficiently without disrupting active production lines.

In Johannesburg South, Tiger Brands started in-house manufacturing capabilities for its Benny spice brand as part of the cost leadership journey that the group is embarking on.

Kruger added that another R400-million investment targeted for the Bellville site, in the Western Cape, where Tiger Brands’ milling and Albany bread manufacturing takes place, will start in January 2027.

A R1-billion investment at a Tiger Brands super bakery in Pretoria is also on track for commissioning in 2027.

Tiger Brands’ snacks and treats operation in Durban is being consolidated into a single megasite, which will be completed later this year.